Chelsea and England defender Ben Chillwell has paid tribute to his former team-mate Jerzy Baldock, who tragically died at the age of 31, with his family saying they are “in shock” after his untimely death.
Previous Premier League Local newspapers report that the defender, who played for Greek club Panathinaikos in Athens, was discovered after his wife in England was unable to contact him for several hours.
According to reports, the owner of his luxury property was contacted and apparently found him in the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived nine minutes later, but they could not resuscitate him.
Baldock moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing for Liverpool Sheffield United for seven seasons, winning two promotions to the English top flight.
Former teammates and friends, including Chilwell, paid tribute to the footballer. The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons. He wrote on Instagram: “From hitting the crossbar together when we were younger in MK, to playing for each other in the Premier League. My heart is broken. Rest in peace, buddy.
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died in Greece at the age of 31
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons
Chilwell and Baldock played together at MK Dons before facing each other in the Premier League
In a statement, his family asked for privacy at this sad moment and said they were in shock at Baldock's death.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are shocked by this terrible loss. We ask that the media respect our privacy at this time.” Statement read.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting “RIP” along with a broken heart emoji. Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters wrote; Terrible news. RIP George.
Former Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media to comment on X: “RIP. Legend of blades!!!
Baldock would probably have played for his country against England at Wembley tonight but is currently injured. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for the Greek national team 12 times after qualifying for the country through his grandmother.
Greece has confirmed that they will wear black armbands during the Nations League match at 7:45 p.m.
He started his career with MK Dons and played in all five top leagues in England.
Baldock lived in this property in the Greek capital after moving to club giant Panathinaikos
The scene where former Sheffield United defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
England defender Harry Maguire was one of the first to react, writing “RIP” on Instagram
Baldock says goodbye to fans ahead of the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane
Heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player by announcing the news to their fans.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the death of former player George Baldock,” they wrote on X.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him.
“Our sincere condolences from everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George's family and friends.”
Baldock's wife reportedly tried to contact him for several hours with no response before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock at the communal swimming pool and called emergency services.
Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has hailed Baldock as a 'Blades legend' in a tribute to his former team-mate
Heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player by announcing the news to their fans
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before he was found, according to photos seen by the response unit.
Northampton Town, where he played five games on loan, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
“We offer our deepest condolences to George's family and friends.”
Panathinaikos appears to have blacked out its logo on social media in a subtle tribute.
And his boyhood club, MK Dons, said it was “devastated” by the news in an emotional post, saying he would “always be one of us”.
They said: “We are deeply devastated and saddened to hear the shocking news from former Academy graduate and MK Dons player George Baldock.
“George started his career at Stadium MK, where he rose through the youth ranks and made his senior debut for the club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in his later years.
The 31-year-old has made 12 caps for the Greek national team after qualifying for the Greek national team thanks to his grandmother
“Everyone associated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family and we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences at this terrible time.
– You'll always be one of us, George.
